30-pound cat stuns Fredericton SPCA

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Staff members at a Canadian animal shelter were surprised to receive a 30-pound cat named Tiny, officials said.

Margo Bird, the executive director of the The Fredericton, New Brunswick, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Tiny was dropped off in a box at the facility Dec. 30, CBC News reported.

She said staff members thought the box contained a donation of office supplies or pet food.

"Lo and behold, there was our 30-pound wonder. Tiny and another normal-size cat, Rapunzel, he was tucked underneath Tiny. So, I think, they were happy to get out of the box, to say the least," Bird said.

Now Bird said the shelter is now trying to get Tiny's weight under control, as obesity is a risk factor for feline diabetes, breathing problems and arthritis. However, staff members have yet to find something he's willing to eat.

"At the moment he is not eating, so we are desperately trying to find a food that Tiny will eat, because when a feline does not eat that has life threatening repercussions as well," Bird said.

Tiny moved to a foster home on Thursday and his diet is being monitored by a local veterinarian, free of charge, Bird said.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.